Fisher Cats lose, now 3 1/2 games behind Trenton

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats managed just four hits in a 2-1 loss at Reading Friday night.

The loss dropped New Hampshire to 64-66. The Fisher Cats are trying to keep pace with Trenton for second place in the Eastern Division for the final playoff spot. Trenton beat Portland 3-1 Friday night and now holds a 3½-game lead on New Hampshire.

Fightin' Phils starter Jesse Biddle threw six innings to get the win for Reading, scattering three hits and allowing the only run of the game. Relievers Seth Rosin and Kyle Simon kept New Hampshire quiet over the final three frames.

Fisher Cats starter Austin Bibens-Dirkx threw seven strong innings, allowing four hits and two runs, but was saddled with the loss.

New Hampshire led 1-0 after one. Leadoff hitter Kenny Wilson singled to open the game, moved over on a balk and eventually scored on an Adam Loewen groundout.

Reading scored two runs in the third inning. Troy Hanzawa tripled to open the inning and scored on an Edgar Duran single. Zach Collier doubled and Duran scored the go-ahead run on a Maikel Franco sacrifice fly.

The teams will play a day-night doubleheader Saturday. The first game is a makeup from July and is set to start at 1:05 p.m. The second game will start at 6:35 p.m.

The teams finish the series Sunday at 1:35 p.m. New Hampshire will host Portland in a four-game series starting on Monday at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.